The European Commission on Wednesday proposed delaying methane emissions rules for oil and gas imports by one year, citing concerns about fuel supplies as the Iran war continues to disrupt global energy markets. The rules, originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, would require foreign oil and gas suppliers to the European Union to monitor and report on methane emissions. Under the proposed change, the rules would begin in 2028, while importers would have until May 31, 2029 to demonstrate that their oil, gas and coal imports from the previous year met EU-equivalent reporting standards. “This one-year deferral of import-related provisions is designed to help avoid additional pressures on the security of supply of imported fossil fuels in the current geopolitical context,” the European Commission said. gas infrastructure, but has faced growing pressure after the Iran war disrupted global energy supplies and intensified concerns about fuel availability this winter. The United States, Europe’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas, warned the EU in June that the methane law could disrupt fuel deliveries, a position backed by companies such as ExxonMobil. French President Emmanuel Macron also pushed for a delay, warning that the rules could create legal risks for Europe’s fuel importers. Industry groups want an even longer three-year deferral, arguing that suppliers are not ready to comply and could divert LNG cargoes away from Europe. “Without a mechanism for further extensions, we risk finding ourselves in exactly the same situation within 12 months,” said a spokesperson for the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers. Reuters contributed to this report.
